Research

Our eye and vision research helps us see into the future

We are home to one of the leading vision science programs in the world, with more than a dozen research labs and sought-after faculty who are writing the textbooks other schools teach.

Our researchers are leaders in the areas of cornea disorders, retinal disease, traumatic brain injury, pediatric vision, and more. Their work results not only in a high reputation for the school, but in better educated students and quality patient care.

Explore our research areas

Recent research activities

Nicholas Port assists a student athlete in using his concussion detecting device.

A portable tool to diagnose sideline concussions

By comparing an athlete’s baseline numbers with similar tests after a high-impact blow, the tester can quickly determine whether the athlete suffered a concussion.

Read about the tool
Dr. Burns oversees research in his lab

Blindness prevention in people with diabetes

By combining data on optometry patients’ eyes with advanced computational methods, Indiana University researchers have created a virtual tissue model of diabetes in the eye.

See diabetes in the eye
Microscope for glaucoma research

Improving the diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma

IU researchers have created a new, noninvasive ophthalmoscopy method that allows eye care practitioners to visualize and directly count, for the first time, retinal ganglion cells that die in glaucoma.

Read about the method
Two researchers in the Miller Lab

Expert collaborators

Our vision scientists collaborate with schools and departments across the university and the world.

In addition to optometry, our work includes the study of biochemistry, biophysics, epidemiology, cell biology, imaging, molecular biology, neuroscience, optics, ophthalmology, pathology, physiology, psychology, psychophysics, statistics, and any other discipline that relates to vision and its problems.

Work with faculty in vision research

The Borish Center for Ophthalmic Research supports the research endeavors of the School of Optometry. Specifically, it welcomes collaborative partners from private practice, universities, industry, and private agencies to join together to work on important questions related to vision science. The Borish Center also provides exciting research opportunities for students to participate directly with faculty in vision research.

Find research opportunities

Our research helps the world see more clearly.

Meet our research faculty